Lyme disease - secondary or stage 2

Definition
Secondary Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease characterized by cardiac and neurological symptoms caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

See Lyme disease for a description of the initial stages of the disease. Secondary Lyme disease develops within days to months after the tick bite, when the infection spreads via the lymph system or bloodstream.

The central nervous system and cardiac system may be affected. Symptoms may be intermittent and may disappear after days, weeks, or months. Involvement of the heart occurs in 8% of people with untreated Lyme disease. Neurologic involvement occurs in 10% of patients with untreated Lyme disease.

Symptoms

headache

fatigue

general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)

lethargy

muscle pains

stiff neck

joint inflammation in the knees and other large joints

heart palpitations

fainting

blurred vision

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

speech impairment

numbness and tingling

nausea and vomiting

muscle function/feeling loss

movement, dysfunctional

hallucinations

facial paralysis (also called Bell’s Palsy)

eyelid drooping

consciousness, decreased

confusion

abnormal sensitivity to light

Signs and tests

a physical examination to reveal signs of neurologic or cardiac involvement

ELISA test to screen for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi

Western blot to confirm the presence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi

The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infection by antibiotic therapy. Penicillin, doxycycline, cefuroxime, and ceftriaxone are frequently used. Ceftriaxone is often used to treat secondary Lyme disease.

Note: Oral doxycycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted - it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Expectations (prognosis)

Symptoms of arthritis may fail to respond to treatment. Other symptoms should improve with treatment.

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.